Deadly Force Requirements Debated in Hearing
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Deadly Force Requirements Debated in Hearing

Date: February 2, 2016
By: Jack Morrisroe
State Capitol Bureau
Links: SB 661, SB 726, SB 741

Intro: 
In the aftermath of the Ferguson riots, the Missouri Senate Judiciary Committee was urged to restrict when cops can use lethal force.
RunTime: 0:40
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: The committee heard proposals that would require a threat of force by a suspect before a police officer could use lethal force.

Democratic Senator Maria Chappelle-Nadal, who represents parts of Ferguson, sponsored one of the bills.

Actuality:  CHAPPEL1.WAV
Run Time: 00:10
Description: When you kill someone unarmed, like Michael Brown... He still deserved due process.

The bills follow the death of unarmed teenager Michael Brown by a police officer and the Ferguson riots that followed.

The committee took no immediate action on the measures. A similar idea died amid disagreements in last year's session.

From the state Capitol, I'm Jack Morrisroe.

Intro: 
For a second year in a row, Missouri's Senate Judiciary Committee heard measures to limit when police can kill suspects.
RunTime: 0:40
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: The proposals would require police officers to perceive felonious physical injury or the threat of physical injury before using lethal force against a fleeing suspect.

St. Louis City Senator Jamilah Nasheed, a Democrat, sponsored one of the bills, arguing that the Missouri law is out of date.

Actuality:  NASHEED.WAV
Run Time: 00:08
Description: Police may not shoot any unarmed, fleeing suspect. Missouri law currently allows police to do so.

Nasheed referenced a 1985 U.S. Supreme Court decision that imposed restrictions on when police can kill fleeing suspects.

There was no opposition to the bills. However, a similar bill did not pass last year.

From the state Capitol, I'm Jack Morrisroe.